Kothandaramaswamy Temple Rameshwaram Timings

Located at a distance of 12 km from the main city, Kothandaramaswamy Temple is one of the popular places to visit in Rameshwaram. This temple is situated the island, surrounded with sparkling waters of Bay of Bengal on one side and majestic Gulf of Munnar on another side. This temple is also said to be visited by the revered saint Swami Vivekananda before his tour to Chicago which was an important historic event.

Kothandaramaswamy Temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old. This ancient temple is also known for the fact that it withstood the massive cyclone of 1964 which had ruined the entire town of Dhanuskodi. This temple survived the cyclone when almost all the buildings in the town were affected turning this religious town into a ruin. Dedicated to Lord Rama, this temple is also a historical building when is worth visiting while you are on your Rameshwaram tour.

The walls of the temple have been carved with captivating paintings representing the instances from Hindu sacred text Ramayana. The history of the temple is also depicted on the temple walls. Images of Goddess Sita, Lord Rama, Lord Lakshmana, Lord Hanuman and Vibhishana can be seen at the temple.

Legend / History of Kothandaramaswamy Temple

According to the legend, it was during the war between Lord Rama and demon Ravana who had abducted Goddess Sita and kept her in his confinement in Lanka when Vibhishana, who was the younger brother of Ravana had come to meet Lord Rama and surrender. As per the story, Vibhishana had advised his brother Ravana to free Goddess Sita and let her return back to Lord Rama. However, when Ravana refused to listen to him and considered him as a deserter. It is then Vibhishana had gone to Lord Rama to seek refuge. He later helped them during the war as well. After defeating Ravana, Lord Rama had crowned Vibhishana as the king of the Lanka.

According to one more legend associated with the temple, there is place near the temple named as Nandavanam where lord Rama is believed to have stayed with sage Bhringi at his ashram for a few days. There is also a temple tank, which has been named after sage Bhringi.